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Every year thousands of performers and eager culture vultures descend on Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. The programme of events includes everything from big names in the world of entertainment, which this year includes Lucy Porter and Stewart Lee, to tiny theatre start-ups looking for their big break. From Friday, Edinburgh will be filled to the brim with cultural offerings, in a famously eclectic mix of venues. Don’t miss out.
Edinburgh, Scotland
August 02-26
Only God Forgives
Opening this weekend, the latest Ryan Gosling *squeal* film marks a return to the awesome partnership between the actor and Nicolas Winding Refn, the director of Drive. A dark crime thriller set in Bangkok, Only God Forgives was nominated for the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes film festival. If you’re a fan of hyper stylised cinematography, a gritty plot line and, let’s be honest, Ryan Gosling’s face, then this film is a must-see this weekend.
Opens August 2 in cinemas nationwide
If simple, scrummy food in non-pretentious surroundings is your thing, then pay a visit this week to the newly opened Albion cafe and shop in the NEO Bankside complex situated on London’s South Bank. The second in a line of concept eateries by renowned British designer and entrepreneur Sir Terence Conran, Albion offers traditional English dishes sourced almost entirely from the British Isles. With artisan Shepherd’s Pie and beers brewed locally, this is a haven for foodies in search of some traditional home comforts.
Neo Bankside, Pavilion B, Holland Street, London SE1 9FU
This weekend sees the opening of the new bar and club Disco in London’s Soho. Celebrating all things, you guessed it, disco, the new venture pays homage to the glitzy lost days of Studio 54, Paradise Garage and 1970s Manhattan. Alongside an interior that epitomises the glamour and hedonism of the era, Disco features choreographed routines from singers and dancers every night, as well as live performances from musicians and the best retro hits played from vinyl. Put on those platform heels and get on the dance floor.
Open: Thursday 10.00pm – 3.30pm, Friday – Saturday, 11.00pm – 3.30am
Entry: £20
13 Kingly Court, London, W1B 5PW
If escapism is what you’re after, let this Man Booker Prize long-listed novel wash you away into a story that spans continents, decades and generations. When Ruth finds a Hello Kitty lunchbox washed up on the shores of her British Colombia home, she discovers it contains a diary. On the other side of the world, 16 year old Nao Yasutani sits in a Tokyo cafe and attempts to navigate the highs and lows of her tumultuous teenage life through the pages of her journal. Separated by oceans and years, the characters are both searching for meaning to this indefinable thing called life. One to absorb and ponder over the weekend.
Available to buy now
There’s a new restaurant in town. Inspired by Japanese izakayas - informal restaurants which serve food alongside alcoholic drinks for after work - Flesh and Buns is situated in the bustling Seven Dials in Covent Garden and offers up a selection of Japanese specialities. Try the Hirata buns (the restaurant’s namesake) washed down with a slush puppy Margarita and followed by Kinako doughnuts with black sugar custard.
41 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX
This Thursday the luxury Soho emporium Liberty opens its revamped Bathhouse with a whole new layout and concept. Now divided into the four different themes of Garden Bright, Rural French, Opulent and Scandinavian, each section will offer an elegant scented selection of bath time products from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for the perfect present, or just something to indulge yourself, make Liberty your go-to destination this weekend.
Regent StreetLondon W1B 5AH
From August 1
Pizza Pilgrims have been at the forefront of the London street food scene since brothers Thom and James Elliot launched their mobile kitchen 2011, after a pilgrimage to Italy to discover the secrets of authentic Italian pizza. Now, exchanging the wheels of their Piaggio Ape van for a real-life restaurant, the brothers are opening their first ever pizzeria on Dean Street, Soho. Inspired by recipes from the backstreets of Napoli, the brothers will serve their signature Neapolitan pizzas with prosecco on tap and gelato from Soho faves Gelupo. Too good to resist.
11 Dean St, London W1D 3RP
Opening Thursday 1 August. No reservations.
Christened early on as ‘the greatest house party...in a field’, Leopallooza has a winning combination of grass roots exuberance and a competitive line-up; chart toppers Bastille head up this year’s festival, alongside Man Like Me, Jacob Banks and a host of local talent. Hidden away in a picturesque Cornish valley, sunshine, cider and good times are guaranteed. Tickets are priced at £60 for a weekend camping pass.
The Wyldes, Lower Exe Farm, Week St Mary, Cornwall EX22 6UX
August 02 to August 04
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